Man Found 'Solace' Spray-Painting Under the Bridge, Police Say

The graffiti artist who returned a couple times to the Main Street bridge in early fall is facing possible jail time.

Robert Haskey, 24, of Germantown, is accused of spray-painting murals underneath the bridge and in Mill Pond Park between Aug. 25 and Sept. 13. He is charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court with two counts of graffiti and could face up to 18 months jail time and $20,000 in fines. He could also be forced to perform up to 200 hours of community service.

According to the criminal complaint:

Haskey told police that spray-painting under the bridge was “his release” and that he found “solace especially in spray-painting underneath the bridge by a waterfall” when he was caught in the act on Sept. 13.

On Aug. 25, a Menomonee Falls police officer was dispatched to the bridge after a witness reported seeing a male subject spray-painting underneath the bridge. On Aug 29, an officer fielded another complaint from a person who wanted to report graffiti. The officer discovered more details had been added to the mural under the bridge.

On Sept. 13, the same officer was dispatched to the bridge yet again. This time, the officer caught Haskey in the act. The officer commanded Haskey to drop the spray can. Haskey had painted what appeared to be a dragon, and was subsequently arrested. He admitted to painting under the bridge, and painting “SKI” on the concession stand at Mill Pond Park.

The cost to sand blast the bridge was $2,495.10, according to the Village of Menomonee Falls. The cost to sand blast the concession stand was $985.18.